Should I have them certified or not?

[P. J.]

I am new to The Collector's Society. I have a few Barber Quarters, and Bust Half dollars. The company I purchased them from marked them as Fine, Very fine, or XF-AU. Are they worth certifying? Need some advice.

[coinman1794]

Hello and welcome to the boards! It's hard to say without more specifics, especially on the Barbers, but the Bust Halves may certainly merit certification. However, it all depends on the coins' individual conditions. Can you post pics?

[Bruceswar]

It all depends on the dates, what you plan to do with them, etc. Pictures would help. I don't think they all need to be certified... but pictures would help.

[nwcs]

Only if they are key dates.

[michael]

leave them raw

 

and welcome to the boards

[P. J.]

Thanks for your input, Will post pictures as soon as I can along with date information.

 

Phil

[P. J.]

Can you suggest any books I can look for to identify key dates?

[nwcs]

Actually the easiest thing is to just look at the price guides. They'll tell you which ones are keys. Even bad guides like the one at www.pcgs.com/prices can help you there.

[James_OldeTowne]

Phil,

 

My guess is, from what you describe, cerification will have little benefit to you. In circulated grades, Barber coins are pretty easy to grade with just a little practice, and most collectors would be planning to buy them for placement in an album anyhow. With the bust halves, here again, at the grade levels of XF to AU, they are fairly easy to grade.

 

However, the one reason that I could see for you needing certification would be if there's a potential problem with doctored coins. If you think any of the coins might be cleaned, retoned, or otherwise messed with, then certification would be a way to find out. On the other hand, it's a pretty expensive way to go, as you might be spending $20 on a coin worth only $50.

 

I think you're better route is to show the coins to someone trustworthy, and with a little more experience. Alternatively, if you can get some good images, several board members can give you good advice.

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

James

[P. J.]

Thanks James,

 

I need to do some serious thinking before I do anything. Will have my scanner, and camera set up soon. Looks like my best bet will be with mint sets and proof sets.

[Bruceswar]

It seems like you are just getting into coins... Get a Redbook... that book has alot of information to start off with. The new 2006 books are out. Good luck and enjoy the hobby

[P. J.]

Thanks, that is a good suggestion. Here I come Amazon.com.

[Bruceswar]

I would go to your local coin shop... while your in there take a look around.. see what catches your eye... that will also help your collecting habits... I would start with inexpensive coins so when(cuz you will) you make mistakes they will not be big ones.. also you will ruin a coin or 2 in your collecting days... such as mishandling it... etc etc... Hope to hear you get off to a good start...